Laval transit authority solves holiday transportation woes

Laval public transit will operate free of charge on Dec. 24 and Dec. 31.

Société de transport de Laval buses will provide regular service those days, and operate on a limited holiday schedule, Dec. 25 and New Year’s Day.

“Those days, the frequency of buses will be like Saturday service,” STL spokeswoman Marie-Céline Bourgault told The Suburban.

“We invite people to use the bus rather than take their own cars when they go out to celebrate during the festive period.”

“I think that people should choose to use public transit because it’s easier, they don’t have to find a parking spot and it’s safe,” she said. “That’s the reason why we promote the service at this time of year.”

For residents worried about how they will get home, Bourgault noted that the regular service continues into the wee hours on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.

“Bus routes that normally operate until 2 a.m. or 3 a.m. will do so,” she explained, “though not all routes normally operate that late.”

During the past week, Laval police reported an unexpected spike in the number of arrests for drunk driving.

“Each of us is responsible for our conduct, and that’s why it’s beneficial to take public transit,” Bourgault observed. “That’s why STL offers free transport on the 24 and the 31.”

She added that the Laval public transit authority is also collecting money to donate to the Centre du bénévolat de Laval. “The money will go to provide school breakfasts to needy students,” she said.